My visit
Whether it's your first visit, or your hundred and first, there's so much to see and do in Buxton during festival season.
Buxton
The beautiful spa town of Buxton is steeped in history and culture. Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Buxton has an abundance of magnificent architecture and is famous for its thermal mineral water. Our main venues, the Matcham-designed Buxton Opera House, the Octagon, the Pavilion Gardens complex and the newly-renovated Buxton Crescent are all within easy walking distance of one another and provide spectacular settings for Buxton International Festival events.
For those seeking a restorative break, a visit to Buxton also offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh upland air in scenic surroundings. The landscaped Pavilion Gardens lie at the heart of the town and for the more adventurous, there are many local walks which provide fantastic views of the Peak District hills. One of the most popular trails leads to Solomon’s Temple, a folly that stands high above a limestone show cave, Poole’s Cavern.
The town has warmly welcomed visitors for centuries and offers a wide variety of accommodation, dining options and independent shops for all tastes. For those wanting to venture further afield, the Peak District National Park and historic attractions such as Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are within easy reach.
Where to stay
Thank you to our local supporters.
Old Hall Hotel
Situated across the square from the Edwardian Opera House, Old Hall Hotel is the ideal base for your festival visit. We have 38 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms, all with free Wi-Fi. Choose from a range of rooms from Single to Four Poster, with breakfast and dinner options available in our Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The Square, Buxton, SK17 6TQ
01298 22841
B&B @ No.6 The Square
Perfectly located for your festival stay, you’ll find No.6 The Square opposite Buxton Opera House. Four spacious and luxurious en-suite double rooms are available on the 2nd and 3rd floor with access to our sitting room on 1st floor.
6 The Square, Buxton, SK17 6AZ
01298 213541
Best Western Lee Wood Hotel
Set in its own mature grounds, this elegant Georgian hotel is situated only a few moments’ walk from the centre of the spa town and its famous opera house. Family owned for 56 years, our 4-star hotel offers high quality accommodation and award-winning dining.
The Park, Buxton, SK17 6TQ
01298 23002
The Palace Hotel Buxton & Spa
Set in five acres of landscaped gardens , Centrally located, Just a 5 minute walk from the Opera House, offering 186 en-suite bedrooms, Bars , Lounge, Beauty Salon & Leisure Facilities including a 14-metre indoor pool. Pre-theatre dinners are available in our Dovedale Restaurant from 6.00pm.
Palace Road, Buxton, SK17 6AG
01298 22001
Queen's Head Hotel & Public House
We offer bed and breakfast in our newly built accommodation rooms and also in a converted stable block, both situated at the rear of our premises. All thirteen of our rooms have en-suite bathrooms, central heating, tea/coffee making facilities and Sky’s ‘in-room’ television service. Larger groups requiring accommodation are welcome but it’s best to call with your requirements.
High Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6EU
01298 23841
Roseleigh Guest House
Only a five minute scenic walk from the Buxton Opera House, located on Broadwalk this Victorian 13-bedroom, family run, non-smoking guest-house built in 1871 overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and ornamental lake of which the superb landscaping was developed between 1861 and the early 1870s. Free residents’ parking for up to 9 cars. Please visit our website for a comprehensive virtual tour. Bed & Breakfast from £39 per person based on two people sharing en suite double/twin rooms.
19 Broad Walk, Buxton SK17 6JR
01298 24904
Where to eat
Thank you to our local supporters.
Old Hall Hotel
Just across the square from the Opera House, we are the perfect and very popular venue for pre- and post-opera meals. Our restaurant is open from 12pm – 2pm and 5.15pm – 11pm. Wine Bar open all day from 10am. Advanced bookings are advisable.
The Square, Buxton SK17 6BD
01298 22841
Buxton Pudding Emporium
Home of the Original Buxton Pudding and a huge selection of Fine Foods, Gifts and Homeware. Our Tasting Rooms are open every day for the very finest hand made food. Situated just opposite the Opera House. Open 10am – 5.30pm.
4 The Square, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AZ
01298 214154
Columbine
We are a small independent restaurant, 3 minute’s walk from Buxton’s Opera House, serving modern British food, cooked to order. We are open for both pre and post theatre suppers by prior reservation
7 Hall Bank, Buxton SK17 6EW
01298 78752
The Pavilion Cafe
The Pavilion Café Buxton can seat up to 232 people in our superbly spacious area overlooking the Promenade and Gardens. Our Pavilion Café also incorporates a family area including a baby station with microwave and bottle warmer, as well as our toddlers soft play area which is unique to Buxton.
Our chefs are very proud of the dishes that they serve and work extremely hard to ensure that you are given an extremely delicious and tasty meal.
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton SK17 6BE
01298 23114
Where to visit
Thank you to our local supporters.
Isla Fine Art, Cards & Gifts
Aimed at the discerning customer, Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts stocks a carefully curated range of beautiful and stylish gifts and cards alongside a selection of art by local artists and artisans. If you are looking for something a bit different in Buxton then this is the shop for you.
4b & 5 The Colonnade, Buxton SK17 6AL
01298 938492
Hattersley Wines Ltd
In selecting our wines, we invest time and effort into knowing a bit more about the provenance, so our wines are from small select vineyards where hard work & family tradition is the philosophy behind their wine making. This is where our passion for wine springs from and we hope to pass this enthusiasm on to you.
Hattersley Wines, Milford, Bakewell, DE45 1DX
01629 815255
The Pavilion Gardens
The Pavilion Gardens is a beautiful historic venue dating back to 1871 which superbly shows off the Victorian splendour of Buxton. Set within 23-acres of magnificent landscaped gardens and play areas the venue provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxing family days out, with great food and drink, shopping and over 100 events and festivals throughout the year.
Our new investments this year have seen exciting developments including our Ice Cream Parlour, Boating Lake, Coffee Van and Pavilion Kitchen. Soon we’ll see our Indoor Market Hall and Tea Rooms.
St John’s Road, Buxton, SK17 6BE
01298 23114
Poole's Cavern & Country Park
For centuries curious visitors have explored and marvelled at the natural subterranean world that is Poole’s Cavern. Explore Poole’s Cavern today with our expert guides and journey though the beautifully illuminated chambers to discover for yourself the magnificent underground scenery of the Peak District
Green Lane, Buxton, SK17 9DH
01298 26978
Central Technology
CT provides proactive managed IT services for businesses that need stability, strong networks and business continuity. We specialise in IT services which enhance business processes and our unique partnership approach ensures our offering is aligned with business objectives right from the outset. CT often meets potential new businesses when they find they have grown beyond their current IT capability. Our specialists will then audit what they have, understand the goals of the business and then develop a solution that will grow with them through our Managed Services, Cloud and Data Security Solutions. We offer our professional services for organisations across all sectors in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derbyshire and East Midlands
Quantum Point, Sheepbridge Works, Sheepbridge Lane, Chesterfield, S41 9RX
01246 266 130
John Whibley "Holidays with Music"
John Whibley “Holidays with Music” organise a range of Music Holidays from world-renowned festivals to city breaks and small chamber music festivals in Europe, America and the United Kingdom.
We will take you to wonderful and historically interesting places to listen to some of the world’s best music, whether it be Orchestral, Choral, Chamber Music or Opera.
Ash Lea, Longlands Road, New Mills, Derbyshire, SK22 3BY
01663 746578
Accessibility
We’re doing our utmost to ensure your access needs are met so that you have an enjoyable festival experience. Please call our Festival office on 01298 70395 for more information about facilities available at the venues.
Accessibility
While the main church at St John’s is accessible to all, the balcony is not recommended to anyone with mobility issues.
Buxton Opera House has three spaces available for wheelchair users located in the stalls and there are also spaces available for wheelchair users in the front row of the Pavilion Arts Centre. To request a space with your booking and to reserve a free ticket for carers, please call the Box Office on 01298 72190.
Toilet facilities
Accessible toilets are available in both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
Help with hearing
An induction loop system is available at the counter of both Box Offices in Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
There are a limited number of passive infra-red (PIR) systems in both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. These work through a special headset, rather than your hearing aid, which is available from the Box Office at Buxton Opera House. Please reserve one when booking your ticket over the phone – a £10 cash deposit is required on collection.
FAQs
Here are some questions we're commonly asked. If you need any more information please get in touch.
Is BIF going ahead in 2022?
Yes, a full Festival will run from 7 – 24 July 2022.
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When can I book tickets?
Booking is open for the Big BIF Weekend 15-16 October 2021. You can book via the website, call the Box Office on 01298 72190 or email boxoffice@boh.org.uk.
The Friends of Buxton International Festival will be able to enjoy priority booking for the summer festival early in 2022. Public booking will open a month later. Click here to find out more about our Friends’ membership scheme.
What should I wear?
We have no dress code and are a relaxed, welcoming festival. However, if you want to dress up please do!
How do I get to Buxton?
By car, Buxton is a 1 hour’s drive (approx) from the M1, M6, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.
Or, take the train with our partner Avanti West Coast. You can travel from London Euston to Macclesfield direct in less than 2 hours, plus a 20 minute taxi ride, or change at Stockport for trains to Buxton. Click here for travel information and to book tickets.
There are direct train services from Manchester, Preston, Blackpool and Hazel Grove by Northern Rail.
By bus, there are direct services from Chesterfield, Derby, Glossop, Huddersfield, Macclesfield, Sheffield, Stockport and Stoke.
What COVID-19 measures will be in place?
We are following the Government’s guidelines.
What happens if COVID-19 means you have to cancel a performance?
If an event is cancelled you will be contacted and offered a full refund. We strongly recommend you take out Booking Protect, which is available through the Box Office. If you have Booking Protect and are unable to attend a performance because you have tested positive to COVID-19, or you have to self-isolate because a member of your immediate family tests positive, you will be refunded.
Are there special arrangements in place for those with a vaccine?
As ever, we are keen that everyone who wants to enjoy the Festival should be able to do so. Social distancing measures will be in place but we are not planning any specific arrangements for those who have had, or have not had a vaccination.
Are there any plans to stream events from the Festival?
For the first time in the history of BIF we have launched the BIF Digital Festival, which is available to view until 31 October 2021 via paid subscription.
The series includes two operas and a selection of music and book events including:
Acis and Galatea, Cendrillon, Fitzwilliam Quartet, Isabel Hardman, Jennifer Pike with Martin Roscoe, Margaret MacMillan, Natalie Clein, Nazir Afzal, Richard Fortey, Tabea Debus and Elizabeth Kenny, Roderick Williams and Susie Allan, The Prime Ministers Panel with Iain Dale, Lord Adonis, Rachel Reeves and Julian Glover.